Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1956 (SND Vol. IV).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
†GAUDNIE, n. “A semi-aquatic bird, which always has its nest in the bank of a rivulet; something larger than a skylark; the back and wings of a dark grey, approaching to black; the breast white; delights to sit on large stones and islets in the middle of the stream” (Fif. 1825 Jam.).
[There is some doubt as to the identity of the bird. Jam.'s description suggests the dipper or water ouzel, Cinclus cinclus, but the form represents a Sc. variant of Eng. golden-eye (cf. gowdnie, s.v. Gowdy-duck).]
